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| US President Donald Trump attends a press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (not pictured) at Chequers at the conclusion of a state visit on September 18, 2025 in Aylesbury, England. — Reuters |
US Trying to Regain Control of Bagram Airbase from Afghanistan: Trump’s Bold Statement
The recent remarks by US President Donald Trump about trying to regain
control of the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan have sparked major global
debate. Situated near China, the strategic airbase has long been a cornerstone
of America’s military presence in the region. From the early days of the
post-9/11 war to the controversial withdrawal in 2021, Bagram holds both symbolic
and strategic weight. Trump’s statement not only revives discussions about
US-Afghanistan relations but also highlights the evolving geopolitics of South
Asia.
US President Donald Trump attends a press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers at the conclusion of a state visit on September 18, 2025 in Aylesbury, England. — Reuters US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that Washington was trying to regain control of...
Bagram Airbase and
Its Strategic Importance
Bagram airbase, originally built by the
Soviets, became one of the most significant sites for American military
operations after the 2001 terrorist attacks. Located just 40 kilometers from
Kabul, it was a hub for air support, intelligence gathering, and counter-terrorism
missions. Its proximity to China, Central Asia, and Iran made it a highly
valuable outpost for Washington.
After the 20-year war in Afghanistan,
the US military officially left Bagram in July 2021. Its abandonment was widely
criticized, with experts arguing that leaving the base reduced Washington’s
ability to monitor regional threats. Today, with Trump pushing for its
reclamation, Bagram’s role in international security is once again under the
spotlight.
Trump’s Statement on
Reclaiming Bagram
During a press conference alongside UK
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump openly stated, “We’re trying to get it
back.” His remarks signaled that the US views Afghanistan, particularly
Bagram, as a critical piece in the larger puzzle of security near China.
This announcement aligns with Trump’s
broader strategy of projecting strength against America’s rivals. By suggesting
a return to Bagram, Trump is reigniting questions about how the US intends to
balance counter-terrorism, regional partnerships, and great-power competition.
The History of US
Military Presence in Afghanistan
For nearly two decades, the US and NATO
forces operated extensively from Bagram. After the September 11 attacks,
Washington launched Operation Enduring Freedom, quickly overthrowing the
Taliban-led government. Bagram became the operational core of the mission,
hosting thousands of troops, advanced aircraft, and detention facilities.
By the time of the withdrawal in 2021,
the Afghan conflict had cost the US over 2,500 military lives and trillions of
dollars. The decision to leave Bagram overnight symbolized the abrupt end of
America’s longest war, leaving behind both logistical challenges and political
controversies.
With the Taliban regaining control
almost immediately after the withdrawal, many analysts argued that holding
Bagram could have provided Washington with leverage and stability in the
region.
Geopolitical Implications
of a Possible Return
If the US were to regain Bagram, the
implications would be massive. Firstly, it would provide Washington with a
forward base near China, which is increasingly assertive in regional affairs.
Secondly, it would allow the US to monitor militant groups in Afghanistan and
Pakistan more closely.
However, reclaiming Bagram is not
straightforward. The Taliban government, currently in control, would likely
resist any American return. Such a move could also trigger tensions with
regional powers like Russia, China, and Iran, all of whom have vested interests
in Afghanistan’s stability and independence.
Moreover, the decision could reignite
debates within the US about military spending and foreign entanglements,
especially given the country’s previous costly engagement in Afghanistan.
US-UK Partnership and
Wider Strategic Goals
Trump’s statement came during his state
visit to the UK, where he and Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a major tech
partnership. The deal, worth over £150 billion, included investments in
artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nuclear energy.
The timing of Trump’s Bagram remarks
suggests a broader geopolitical agenda: strengthening alliances while
reasserting American dominance abroad. The US-UK deal highlights how Washington
is seeking to combine economic, technological, and military strategies to
counter global rivals.
By tying military ambitions in
Afghanistan with strategic partnerships, the Trump administration appears to be
setting the stage for a more assertive and interconnected foreign policy.
Challenges Ahead for
Washington
Reclaiming Bagram will not be easy.
Washington faces several obstacles:
- Diplomatic Resistance – The Taliban, along with
regional actors, will push back against any foreign military return.
- Domestic Criticism – After two decades of war
fatigue, many Americans oppose the idea of reengaging in Afghanistan.
- Financial Burden – Reviving operations at Bagram
would require massive resources at a time when Washington is already
stretched with commitments in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the
Indo-Pacific.
Despite these challenges, Trump’s
remarks show that the debate over Afghanistan’s future is far from over.
Whether symbolic or serious, the idea of reclaiming Bagram underscores how
deeply intertwined the base is with America’s global strategy.
Conclusion
The possibility of the US regaining
control of Bagram airbase in Afghanistan marks a dramatic twist in
Washington’s foreign policy narrative. While challenges abound, the base’s
strategic value cannot be underestimated. Trump’s comments highlight America’s
shifting priorities—balancing counter-terrorism, containing rivals like China,
and reaffirming global leadership. Whether the plan materializes or remains
political rhetoric, Bagram remains at the heart of discussions about America’s
role in South Asia and beyond.
FAQs
Why is Bagram airbase
important for the US?
Bagram offers a strategic location near
China, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asia, making it vital for surveillance and
military operations.
When did the US leave
Bagram airbase?
The US military officially left Bagram
in July 2021, ahead of the complete withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Can the US realistically
reclaim Bagram?
While possible, reclaiming Bagram faces
major political, military, and diplomatic hurdles, especially with the Taliban
in control.
How many US soldiers
died in Afghanistan?
Roughly 2,500 American troops lost
their lives during the 20-year war.
What was Trump’s reason
for wanting Bagram back?
Trump cited its “strategic location
near China” as a key reason for attempting to regain control.